- Definition
FTA is a technique or graphic model through which factors and conditions that may contribute to a specific undesirable and unforeseeable event are noted and logical organized and represented pictorially. The channel used, interconnects the possible contributory conditions and events by the use of standard logical symbols. Through this, the numerical probabilities of the possible events are entered and then propagated through the provided model to facilitate the evaluation of the probabilities of the undesirable event .
The fault tree analysis (FTA) is the most widely utilized methods exhibited in the system reliability, safety analysis and maintainability. It has a deductive procedure that is used to determine and evaluate the various possible combinations of software and hardware failures and also human errors that could lead to the undesired events.
- It’s history.
The Fault Tree Analysis was first developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories to be used by the Minutemen systems in 1962 for the use in the U.S. air Force. FTA would later find its ways into the Boeing Company where it was adopted and applied extensively.
- It’s future
Being among the many symbolic analytical techniques that find its usefulness in the discipline of operations research, FTA will find a better place in the future market. Since this system analyses problems, stimulate thinking and increases the awareness of, understanding the overlying potential problems, the future market will still have its place due to its broad coverage. Reliability is another aspect that will see this system being valid in the future.
- Advantages / disadvantages.
Advantages
• FTA is able to display information in a graphic and structured way, making it easier to interpret and communicate.
• FTA technique encompasses input and valuable insights from the widest number of experts it revolves around.
• FTA is flexible in such a way that can be utilized with both a small and a large number of participants.
• Another advantage is the focus exhibited by the FTA technique on the analyzed system, instead of focusing on an individual the system. Due to this merit, individuals are not likely to feel threatened thus; getting a buy-in will be quite an easy task.
• FTA represents the agreements and some diverging views in regards to a system inputs.
• In the analysis of persistent and recurrent problems, FTA can be effectively used to identify the contributing factors and common causes of such problems.
Disadvantages
• Risk of inaccuracy of information, which encompasses inaccurate results, may be present due to the high dependency on insights and judgment and insight based on the subjective opinions this technique exhibit.
• There might be a need of using qualitative analysis software in the case where the system focus on the FTA is very large.
• In some analysis, there might result inaccurate and invalid results as the subsequent results experiences some ripple effect caused by the error. This problem is largely associated with the identification of wrong failure sources in an FTA.
• If a technique used in FTAs is not implemented and in a disciplined manner or if a system’s problem become so complex that the multiple levels of the overlying potential causes is present for every problem type.3 then, the RTA’s may fail.
- Real world: Major manufacturers / suppliers, where we may buy this locally and price etc.
- Logan Fault and Event Tree Analysis supplied by RM Consultant limited located at Genesis Centre, Birchwood Science Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 7BH. The price ranges from £2,000-£3,500 depending on the type of user license ( single or multiple).
- Reliass suppliers harboring an ASENT-R&M Toolkit with LOGAN Fault & Event Tree Analysis Tool interface capabilities. The supplier is located at Cams Hill, Hampshire PO16 8AB. Its pricing is based upon the users, i.e. number of seats.
- What tools and equipment / training are required?
If there will be application, technological methods the following tools would be suitable to be equipped with. Acquire concept mapping software, a projection device and surface or screen and a computer. If non-technological methods will be applied, the following tools will be best to be equipped with. Access to surface area (considerable size and can either be a chalkboard or a whiteboard) for creating the concept map, tape and thick markers of different colors. If the analysis will require concept mapping sessions with a sizable number of participants, an assistant who will be creating actual concepts while the one facilitating mediates. The participant should be able to identify the purpose and objective of an analysis before venturing into one and be able to identify an ideal solution.
For an individual to be able to conduct an RTA, they should be able to create an RTA logic diagram together with a construction a fault tree. One can also opt to identify and invite qualified participants who are majors and experts on the specific system that RTA will be focusing on. The participant should be able to identify factors that are connected to the undesired event and what’s causing it.
Works Cited
Clemens, P., 1993. FAULT TREE ANALYSIS. [Online] Available at: http://www.fault-tree.net/papers/clemens-fta-tutorial.pdf[Accessed 4 April 2014].
Pilot, S., 2002. What Is a Fault Tree Analysis?. [Online] Available at: http://asq.org/quality-progress/2002/03/problem-solving/what-is-a-fault-tree-analysis.html[Accessed 4 April 2014].
Watkins, R. R., 2011. Fault Tree Analysis. [Online] Available at: http://www.ryanrwatkins.com/na/guidebook/Fault%20tree%20analysis.pdf[Accessed 4 April 2014].
